Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in South Jordan, UT?

YES, short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in South Jordan, Utah. The city permits homeowners to operate short-term rentals out of condos, townhouses, single-family houses, and guest houses (with an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit permit). However, there are important restrictions: Internal ADUs such as basement apartments are NOT permitted to be used as short-term rentals.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in South Jordan, UT

Starting an STR business in South Jordan requires a systematic approach involving multiple city departments and regulatory compliance. Follow these steps:

1. Property Suitability Assessment

• Verify Property Type: Ensure your property is a condo, townhouse, single-family house, or guest house with an approved ADU permit
• Zoning Verification: Use the city's interactive zoning map to confirm your property is in an appropriate zone
• ADU Compliance: If operating from a guest house, ensure you have an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit permit

2. Business Licensing Process

• Contact Business Licensing Department: Required for all STR operations
• Submit Application: Complete business license application through the South Jordan Online Portal
• Fee Payment: Pay applicable business licensing fees (amount to be confirmed with business licensing)

3. Planning & Zoning Compliance

• Planning Review: Ensure your STR use complies with local zoning requirements
• Site Plan Requirements: Prepare necessary site plans and parking arrangements if required
• Code Compliance: Verify compliance with all relevant municipal codes

4. Operational Setup

• Property Preparation: Ensure property meets safety and habitability standards
• Management Structure: Establish clear ownership and management responsibilities
• Insurance: Obtain appropriate insurance coverage for STR operations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business Licensing Requirements

• Business License Application: Required for all STR operations
• Business License Renewal: Regular renewal requirements (frequency to be confirmed)
• Compliance Documentation: Must maintain compliance with all city ordinances

Planning & Zoning Documents

• Property Ownership Verification: Proof of ownership or lease agreements
• Site Plan: May be required depending on property type and location
• Parking Plan: Demonstration of adequate off-street parking arrangements
• Zoning Compliance Certificate: Verification that STR use is permitted in the specific zone

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Requirements (if applicable)

• Approved ADU Permit: Required for guest house STR operations
• ADU Compliance Certificate: Must demonstrate compliance with ADU regulations
• Building Permit Documentation: If ADU construction or modification was required

Operational Guidelines

• Occupancy Standards: Must comply with family/household definitions and building code occupancy limits
• Noise and Nuisance Compliance: Adherence to local noise ordinances and nuisance regulations
• Parking Requirements: Adequate off-street parking must be available
• Safety Standards: Compliance with building safety codes and requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (South Jordan)

• Permitted Property Types: Condos, townhouses, single-family houses, and guest houses with approved ADU permits
• Prohibited Property Types: Internal ADUs such as basement apartments are explicitly prohibited
• Zoning Compliance: STRs must be located in zones that permit such use
• Business Licensing: Required for all STR operations

County-Level Regulations (Salt Lake County)

• County-level STR regulations may apply to properties in unincorporated areas
• Business licensing requirements may vary from city requirements
• Contact Salt Lake County for county-specific STR regulations

State-Level Regulations (Utah)

Based on the provided state-level information from the Utah Land Use Regulation guide:

• Definition: Short-term rental means a residential unit or any portion of a residential unit that the owner of record or the lessee offers for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive days
• Platform Protection: Cities may not prohibit individuals from offering a short-term rental on a short-term rental website or punish individuals solely for listing on such platforms
• Local Authority: Cities may review STR rental agreements to verify compliance with municipal ordinances
• Business Regulation: Cities are authorized to regulate businesses within municipal limits and may impose fees to recover regulatory costs
• Zoning Authority: Cities have authority to enact regulations for land use and development within their boundaries

Key Restrictions and Limitations

• Owner vs. Renter: Regulations may differ for owner-occupied vs. investor-owned properties
• Occupancy Limits: Subject to building code and municipal ordinance limitations
• Geographic Restrictions: STRs may be limited to specific zones or geographic areas
• Safety Requirements: Must comply with all applicable safety and building codes

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Contact: Business Licensing Department

• Phone: 801-446-HELP (4357)
• Website: South Jordan Business Licenses
• Online Portal: South Jordan Online Portal
• Location: 1600 W Towne Center Drive, South Jordan, UT 84095

Planning & Zoning Department

• Email: gschindler@sjc.utah.gov
• Phone: 801-446-HELP (4357)
• Website: South Jordan Planning & Zoning
• Online Portal: Apply for Planning Applications

Building Department

• Email: SJCbuildingdepartment@sjc.utah.gov
• Phone: 801-446-HELP (4357)

City of South Jordan - General Contact

• Address: 1600 W Towne Center Drive, South Jordan, UT 84095
• Phone: 801-446-HELP (4357)
• Website: www.sjc.utah.gov

Important Resources and Links

City Resources

• South Jordan City Business Licensing
• South Jordan Planning & Zoning Department
• South Jordan Online Portal
• Interactive Zoning Map
• City Fee Schedule

Municipal Code and Regulations

• South Jordan Municipal Code
• Title 17 - Planning and Zoning Code

FAQ Resources

• South Jordan Short-Term Rental FAQ
• Planning Department FAQs

State-Level Resources

• Utah Land Use Regulation - STR Outline
• Utah Property Rights Ombudsman

Key Takeaways for STR Investors

1. Explicit Permission: South Jordan allows STRs in specific property types
2. Clear Restrictions: Internal ADUs (basement apartments) are prohibited
3. Multiple Approvals Required: Business licensing, planning compliance, and potential ADU permits
4. Platform Protection: State law provides some protection for online listings
5. Active Regulatory Environment: Both city and state levels have evolving regulations
6. Contact-Based Process: Direct engagement with city departments is essential for compliance

Critical Next Steps: Contact the Business Licensing Department first to understand current requirements, then work with Planning & Zoning to ensure property compliance before proceeding with any STR operation.